The Princess has Temporarily Moved

After a very warm summer of being a security guard for cruise ships in Seward and Whittier, Makenzie flew down to Branson, Missouri to start her next adventure as a missionary at Barnabas Prep, a residential school for adults with special needs.  Meema and Mom flew down there with her to enjoy some tourism and to help her get all moved in.  Saying "see you in December" was VERY difficult for all of us!  This girl is such a sweetheart and brings smiles and happiness to everyone who gets to spend time with her.  We're all so proud of our princess and her goal of being a blessing to people with special needs!

Summer Flowers

One of the best parts of summer in Alaska is the FLOWERS and sunshine!!!!

Disney Souvenirs

Meema and Pop Pop brought Luke and Seth shirts from Disneyland.

Finally Summer

 One of the best parts of summer is going to visit Luke on his breaks from work.

 We stopped by Cheney Lake on the way home from visiting Luke.  Seth threw giant rocks into the lake, not caring at all that people were trying to fish.

While we were sitting on the bench admiring the blue sky and the beautiful water and trees, a man came to the lake to fish.  He was very friendly and offered to let Seth hold one of his fishing poles, which made Seth name him "Cool Man."  I felt bad that Seth had probably scared all the fish away with his rock throwing, but we told our new friend that we'd pray he caught some fish.

Our Final Driver

Luke passed his driving test!  He was then able to drive himself to and from work, take Seth to Walmart, go get us all ice cream, and run to McDonald's after work.  The new insurance bill won't be making us smile, but having an extra driver is great.

MOTHERS DAY

I got to spend Mothers Day with my mom this year!  Joel and Makenzie woke up early to make me breakfast, we went to church, my mom got us lunch at Red Robin, we played board games, Luke gave me new summer shirts (with our Hawaii trip in mind), and we went to church again.  It was a beautiful day!

Makenzie’s Graduation

One of the ACS graduates, Destiny, painted the senior rock with northern lights.  I'm hoping all future senior classes decide the rock is just too beautiful to paint over!

We started graduation day with the Senior Breakfast at 8 a.m.  Our school cook, Crystal, decorated for, cooked, and served the breakfast.  She did an amazing job!!

Makenzie welcomed the families and introduced Danilo, the class chaplain, who prayed the blessing on the food.  After breakfast, Jason gave a speech about the senior class before the parents and students gave thanks and recognition for the blessings received from ACS.

  

Makenzie received an honor cord for having a 3.5 or higher gpa and a collar for being a member of the National Honor Society.

 
After breakfast, we decorated Makenzie's reception table with a picture board, a "then and now" kindergarten to senior picture, a "what's next" ACS to Barnabas Prep picture, and a gluten free cake.

Salutatorian Danilo Guzman and Valedictorian Jesse Davis gave speeches, and former Governor Sean Parnell gave the commencement address.

Jason handed each graduate his or her diploma except Makenzie.  Rich gave Makenzie her diploma and moved her tassel.

So many special people shared in Makenzie's graduation!

THE MIGHTY MIDGETS!!

My tiny little baby girl is all ready to move on to being an adult.

Quiet Seth

Seth woke up before Makenzie and Grammy, so I told him to keep the tv pretty quiet. He turned the volume way down and whispered along with the Scooby Doo theme song. Usually the tv is a little bit too loud, and usually Seth sings loud and proud. Such a considerate young man this morning! Actually, his behavior has been amazingly good for quite some time lately, thank God.

Luke

Sixteen-year-old Luke is 5’11 1/2” tall, 153 pounds. He has grown 3 1/4 inches in the last year!

Makenzie’s All Finished

Makenzie’s first and last days of school. This girl has never been afraid of leaving us. She always faces challenges and succeeds with a pleasant attitude. After graduation, Makenzie will be going to work for a security company for the summer cruise ships, and then will be headed to Barnabas Prep in Branson, Missouri to work with people with special needs. Jason and I are so proud of our beautiful, spunky princess!